Reviving the Old Manila One Step at a Time: The #VivaManila Walking Tour

On the cloudy afternoon of the first Sunday of September, an estimated tour participants of almost two hundred flocked to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Children's Road Safety Park in front of the Manila Zoo along Quirino Avenue in Manila. The participants gathered up to attend the #VivaManila free walking tour facilitated by the new Tourism Consultant of Manila, Mr. Carlos Celdran.

#VivaManila is the tourism campaign of the City Hall of Manila which aims to revive the luster of the Old Manila by highlighting the tourist belt of Manila and reintroduce to Manilenos, and fellow Filipinos, these glimmering gems of Manila.

#VivaManila button pins for the volunteers

The #VivaManila free walking tour on that cloudy Sunday was the second (first one was sometime in July) and all about Malate, the cultural remnants of the old and vibrant Malate. Though it was a pseudo-rainy Sunday, the ever curious tour participants still followed the way Carlos walked.

Sharing with you a map I made for the volunteers.
Take note: this is NOT the official itinerary. 

1st stop. MMDA Park.
MMDA Children's Road Safety Park is like a mini-city of its own. It has its own mini-footbridge, mini-tunnel,etc.

Photo courtesy of thehoppymommybunny.wordpress.com

After the tranquil experience at the little park, the big group took batches of Jeepney along Mabini cor. Quirino Avenue. A group of my FEU Tourism Management students assisted in securing jeepneys that would bring the tour participants at the next stop: Padre Faura.

2nd stop: Tesoro Building and Lotus Garden Hotel (Mabini cor. Padre Faura)

In Casa Tesoro, 1335 Mabini is found. As the signage below suggests, it houses antiques, tribal art and contemporary art. It showcases art exhibits also of local artists.

Here are some photos taken from the interior of Lotus Garden Hotel.

3rd stop: La Solidaridad Bookstore. (Padre Faura near the corner of J Bocobo)

La Solidaridad Bookstore is owned by the famous Filipino novelist/write, F.Sionil Jose. This bookstore houses a lot of Filipiniana collections. Unfortunately, it was closed that Sunday.

La Solidaridad Bookstore facade. Yes, it's closed.

4th stop: Hizon's Bakeshop (J Bocobo corner Arquiza Street)

Hizon's Bakeshop used to be the favorite hangout place of Dolphy in the 70s if I'm not mistaken.

5th stop: Hiraya Gallery (UN Avenue near J Bocobo)

Hiraya Gallery houses some interesting work of arts.

6th stop: Jade Vine Inn (UN Avenue cor. J Bocobo, across Hiraya Gallery)

Jade Vine Inn (if I remember it correctly from Carlos' spiels) is where the Manila drag scene began. It used to be the venue of performances by drag queens and cross dressers. The complimentary refreshments and canapes were sponsored by this humble inn.

Jade Vine Inn Facade *with the kalesa shot*

The function hall of Jade Vine Inn.

7th stop: Miramar Hotel (Roxas Boulevard cor. Padre Faura)

The cozy bar at Miramar Hotel. 

The ever kind hearted people from Gawad Kalinga sponsored the native iced tea at the second to the last stop. According to the GK representatives, Bayani Brew is an authentic Filipino iced tea on which the produces were harvested from GK's enchanted gardens. The red/maroon one is Sweet Potato flavor while the brownish/yellowish one is lemongrass (tanglad) with pandan flavor.

You have to try one!

The last and final stop: Rizal Monument at Rizal Park (Roxas Boulevard, across Kilometer Zero)

Second batch of #VivaManila free walking tour class picture

Me and my FEU tourism students with Sir Carlos

Another shot with the tour guide in bunny ears. 

I have to admit that I have very few stuff to say about the stops. I would really love to add more details about the stops though, but then I, together with the rest of the volunteers, am too busy making sure everybody is well-informed of the the next stops (that I only have a very few chance to actually listen to the glittery bits of information that Carlos narrated.) Yes, it was my first time (and my students) to join the tour and our knowledge about Malate is not as extensive as that of a local resident in the area, but we want to get involved and do our part as future tourism stakeholders.

Nevertheless, the voluntourism experience has never been this fun. Seeing the enormous crowd of tour participants excited and patiently walking the streets of Malate despite a not-so-fair weather. Truly, tourism is so empowering that it makes people appreciate and value natural beauty and cultural resources around us that was once disregarded and unrecognized. :)

Until the next #VivaManila! Reviving the Old Manila One Step at a Time.

I challenge all the tourism students out there to practice voluntourism and get involved in their local tourism initiatives!

Voluntourism at its finest! Get involved!

xx

Eena :)

Having a Good Feeling About 'That Job' (My First Job Tale)

Just like any other fresh graduate, I withstood the summer heat as I walk along the towering edifices of Makati in search for that one thing we always have been dreaming off the moment we laid our foot in school. That very reason why our parents sent us to school in the first place, and why we endured almost two decades of education. 

Yes. It was time to get my first job. 

As a tourism graduate, I imagined myself working as a Reservations and Ticketing Agent of an airline, or a reputable travel agency. So with me is a map of Makati (why Makati? I'd love to be called as a Makati girl), database of airline offices and travel agencies there, copies of my resume and my hope to come home with a new job. I went to Gulf Air, Eva Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Delta Airlines, Jet Airways, Asiana Airlines, Korean Air and Etihad Airways (almost all of which along Ayala Avenue). Among these airline offices, I am quite fascinated about Gulf Air and Etihad Airways. I don't know if, really, Middle Eastern airlines have this sophisticated taste that is quite evident on their offices from couches to architectural design. I have this good feeling that one day, these will be my offices. I don't know why and how, but, yeah, I just have a good feeling.

True enough to my hope, I went home that day with positive feeling that this particular 'top of the line' travel agency is wanting a follow up on my job application. Everything went fast, all I can recall is that I signed at the "Conforme" of my application, and "Accept condition" on the next days. I was too excited to even bother myself read what I indeed signed at and for. All I know is that it was a 'premier' travel agency in the country and that I am branded as a "Travel Associate". It was my first job. The first paycheck is what I am excited about. But before all that, came the time when I have to report for work.

Damn.

I knew it wasn't the right job for me. I knew it since day 1. I knew it because I can feel it. After 6 months, I quit my job. But one thing I learned from my mentors who never fail on giving me advices, never quit your job unless you have a strong 'back up' financial aid (if not for another job). I was fortunate enough to land a better job. The day after my last day in that travel agency, I was then branded as a Marketing Coordinator of a medical travel agency. Where? Inside Gulf Air's office. Inside the glamorous old Gulf Air office in Ayala Avenue. Yeah, that good feeling? Yes, indeed my good feeling was right. I looooved my job as a marketing person. I love the graphic design duties, business development initiatives, website updates, talking to travel suppliers and trade partners, research, collaterals. Everything I love doing, I found in that job as a marketing person. 

Here's the Gulf Air office and some GF buddies.

For almost two years, I stayed with that medical travel agency. Then came an opportunity to work for an airline affiliate. I thought to myself, this could be the chance I am waiting for. I was then transferred to the General Sales Agent of this Middle Eastern (again) airline. After a few months, I found myself reporting for duty at the Etihad Airways Makati office. I was a half-Marketing, half-Sales person. Yes, that posh office of Etihad Airways I once have a good feeling of being a part of. Yeah, it basically did happen. 

Gulf United Corporation (Etihad's GSA) buddies on the 'Graduation Day' of our Sabre training.

It all started with my thought of 'having a good feeling' about a thing. And it did attract that good feeling to happen. I guess, it just goes to show that things happen at the right time, at the right place. If it is meant to happen to you, it will. Just put your trust that it will indeed happen. If it doesn't, well, you have to believe that better things are waiting for you. It doesn't matter when and where, but what matters most is that you keep in you that trust in Him that everything will fall into the right place. Trust His timing, His plans for you. You'll never know how exciting His plans for you are until it finally unfold. You just have to wait, to persevere, and to trust. That's all it takes. Oh, by the way, I am no longer a Marketing person now, but a college instructor, in tourism. (Will tell you tale about that on my next entries)

xx

Eenapot

Culinary Masterpiece of Batangas

Being a Batangueña by blood and heart, I was raised up in a typical diet that is quite common in a household in Batangas. That diet includes a Sinaing na Tambakol (yellow fin tuna boiled in tamarind soup) and Bulanglang (in Batangas, Bulanglang is a boiled mixture of vegetables such as squash, okra, string bean, with a little salt and cloves of garlic and ginger). Me and my siblings, when we were young, have Sinaing na Tambakol for breakfast, for lunch and also dinner. We oftentimes joke around and murmur, everyday is a Sinaing na Tambakol Day. Not to mention the fact that my grandmother used to be a fish vendor, a tambakol fish vendor. (So, yeah, that explains  why we have  Tambakol for every meal in what seems like forever). But I can still greatly recall my childhood memories how every morning was awaken by the cooing of a rooster and was delighted by sinangag (fried rice), sinaing na tambakol (again and again) and the ever famous, freshly brewed kapeng barako.

Well, Batangas cuisine is not just about the Sinaing na Tambakol, but it is one thing I miss a lot when I got the chance to move and study here in Manila. Rarely to never at all would I find a restaurant that offers it on their menu. So it is fair enough to say that Sinaing na Tambakol is one of the authentic cuisines found in Batangas.

This is Sinaing na Tulingan. Couldn't find photo of Tambakol. Argh.
Credits to Batangenyo.net

When you get a chance to have a trip in Batangas, never miss out some of these delicacies:

• Bulalo (beef bone marrow and shank boiled) – I personally recommend that you try Rose and Grace Restaurant at Santo Tomas, Batangas (for the travelers who has unlimited budget) or Banay-Banay Eatery in San Jose, Batangas (for the budget yet quality conscious ones)
• Lechon (roasted pig) – Balayan, Batangas is the place to be. Their annual Parada ng Lechon showcases “dressed up” yet luscious lechons.
• Goto – Here in Manila, Goto is similar to a congee or “lugaw”, but in Batangas, when you order a Goto, they will give you a bowl of simmered “lamang loob” of a pig or a cow. It is garnished with a fish sauce, calamansi and a chili. You must try “Gotohan sa Barangay” in Lipa City. Even the affluent ones line up to have their goto at Gotohan sa Barangay.
• Tapang Taal (jerked pork) – As the name suggests, you can find it in Taal, Batangas. It is perfectly served with hot tablea tsokolate (native cocoa chocolate used in making champorado).
• Lomi – Batangas lomi is not your ordinary lomi. When you try it in Ibaan, Rosario or Lipa, your definition of lomi will change. I assure you.
• Sinukmani – A sweet native kakanin found in Rosario, my hometown. Rosario hosts the Sinukmani Festival that has gained them the ‘Sinukmani’ identity.
• Nilupak – A sweet goody made of cassava, milk and coconut.
• And of course, my ever favorite, Sinaing na Tambakol / Tulingan or Tawilis. - These fishes were to be cooked in an earthen pot or palayok for several hours with tamarind, some cloves of garlic, pinches of salt and pepper. According to my grandmother who considers herself an expert in cooking Sinaing na Tambakol, the secret of a savory sinaing is a long cooking time. The longer the pot is on fire, the more delicious it will get.

  

Truly, Batangas is one heck of a tourist destination, not only because of its beaches, mountain treks, historical and cultural attractions, but also its culinary masterpieces. A Thomasian will not be labeled as a true blooded Thomasian if he / she has not experience the ever renowned España flood, similar as if a tourist hasn’t tried Sinaing na Tambakol or bulalo or lechon or tapang Taal or goto or lomi or sinukmani or nilupak, he / she hasn’t experience the very best of Batangas.

(Article contribution to University of Sto. Tomas' College of Tourism and Hospitality Management's Magazine. 2008-ish)

Confessions of a Tourism Student

I know you’ve probably heard someone talking like, “Naku, math haters ang mga Tourism students”. Or perhaps able to read in an online forum something like, “Tourism? Ushers and usherettes lang sila, dba?”. It sometimes gets on to our nerve when we hear murmurs similar to, “Ganda lang naman ang meron sa mga Tourism students” and “Ano trabaho kaya nila pagkagraduate? Professional tourist? Tour guide?”. We also oftentimes accidentally hear from those people, “Tourism is just an easy course.”. How many times have we heard these same old lame insights? It’s as if these people formed a conspiracy against us, tourism students. We frequently hear those offensive remarks, making a negative stereotype impression about Tourism course (and students taking up Bachelor of Science in Tourism), feeding our ‘full’ inferiority complex over what they call as ‘BIG’ and ‘HARD’ courses.

Attending endless events, seminars and conventions.

  

Little do some people know that it takes a lot to become a tourism student. It’s not just about beauty, but personality (glowing and pleasing personality), attitude (service oriented attitude), mind (logical and witty mind) and confidence (glimmering confidence) as well. Funny how some people misjudge us telling how easy and good for nothing our course was and concluding how much better their course was. How could someone who basically have not taken up Tourism as his / her course tell that it is an easy course and just for dumb people? The life of a tourism student is not as easy as what those people think.  Determining the difference between arrive and arrivé, knowing where in the world is ‘Tuvalu’ located at and its capital, identifying the three – letter code for Seychelles airport, searching for world’s well known spots, memorizing the world map, doing endless video documentaries and minor research over tourism trends, deciding whether a passenger will be considered as a child or an infant for flight booking, running after the SecGen’s and OSA office for approval of an event, seeking out every corner of the UST library just to get a good grasp of a book required for a report, catching up for missed lessons for attending tours, events, conventions and seminars, these are just a few of the reality in the life of a tourism student.

Doing event promotions.
(ARTURA: Art and Culture for a cause -class event)

The careers in Tourism are not just confined to being a flight attendant. Our alma matter is molding us into a tourism practitioner that is not just beautiful and glamorous, but a well rounded and balanced one. True enough, the previous tourism curriculum is like a little bit of everything. We have geography, philosophy and ethics, theology, literature, history, english and math, economics, accounting, business management, law, computer, events management, personality development, foreign languages (Spanish, Nihonggo and French, all of which has learning levels of basic, intermediate and advanced), hotel and operation theories and of course not to mention our major tourism subjects, domestic and global tourism, transportation management, travel operations and management, ecotourism, recreational tourism, airline computer reservation system, cultural tourism, marketing for hospitality and tourism, etc. etc. A great pool of subjects that may lead us to become competent travel agents, tour coordinators, tour guides, ticket agents, country club manager and staff, front desk clerks, travel writers, event organizers, public relation officers, cruise attendants, academicians, lawyers (if Sir G inspired you to take up law and be like him), foreign service officers (if you pass the exam administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs) and a whole lot more. You may also want to manage your own travel agency and be your own boss. With the list of job opportunities we may venture in, it seems we have a bright future ahead of us. Therefore, we must not let others detract us. Some “non tourism” courses (the ‘difficult ones’ as they labeled it), after graduation, ended up in careers that are totally out of the league of their four year education. With the booming tourism industry we have in our country nowadays, we now are sure that we have a place to land after our four years of learning.

Invaded the Senate to come up with a 'star-studded'
video documentary.

In the end, it is still up to us, tourism students, on how we’ll give dignity to our course. It’s up to us on how we’ll prove them wrong. It’s up to us on how we’ll utilize and apply the things that we learned and were instilled in us by our marvelous professors. Now, when someone ask, “Why Tourism?”, proudly answer back “And why not Tourism?” with a revenging and devilish smile.

(Article contribution to University of Sto. Tomas' College of Tourism and Hospitality Management Magazine, 2008-ish)

The Power of Attraction

I am a travel writer.

I am a blogger.

I am at Louvre Museum.

I am a museum curator.

I am a tour guide.

I am pursuing a post graduate study on cultural heritage.

I am speaking and writing French.

I am working at National Commission for Culture and Arts.

I am working at UNESCO.

I do understand every misunderstood person.

I am at Bahamas and Maldives.

I am working in the cruise line industry.

I know how to bake a cake, a blueberry cheesecake.

I am a good friend to everybody (even to the exceptionally hostile ones).

I know how to play drums and violin.

I am playing and/or singing for a rock band.

I am a rock star.

I am a graphic designer.

I am a researcher.

I am a programmer, a hacker.

I cook potato wedges perfectly.

I am a vegetarian.

I am seeing an aurora.

I am swimming at the Dead Sea.

I am seeing the pyramids in Egypt and the terraces of Machu Picchu in Peru.

I am deep diving.

I know how to do the scaling (lead guitar).

I am wake boarding and surfing.

I am walking the streets of Rome.

I am a lawyer.

I am a philosopher.

I am a forensic investigator. CSI-Horatio Caine type.

I am a spy. Charlie's Angels type.

I am riding the clouds that you see at the airplane's window.

I am an astronaut.

I am an herbalist.

I am forming an all girls band.

I am at the Vatican's archive.

I am to Tuvalu, Borabora, Fiji, French Polynesia.

And my list goes on and on and on..

I just need to keep track of my wish list.

Let's see which happens and which does not.

After all, I have every right to dream. Coz it's FREE!!!

I want so many things. So little time? I guess no. Life has a lot to offer, it's up to us on how we'll make it worth living :) (May 2011)

Myth of Sisyphus

I loved Sir Tim's (my World Literature professor) discussion about this essay (if I'm not mistaken) last Thursday. I agree with him in almost every argument he laid. When I was in my first to second year in college here in UST, there were a lot of times when I question myself why am I doing the same old things everyday (probably because I'm not yet convinced why I took up Tourism, why Tourism). Same old routines, same old lame activities.

I remember those nights when I used to go up at the rooftop of the dorm late at night, (I sometimes bring with me my guitar, a pen and a paper) past midnight sometimes, not only to escape for a moment my hell on earth but also to wonder and ponder about lot of things. I would see the bright street lights, the untiring España road, the empty jeepneys who have about two or three passengers. I would see people pass by, most either beggars (carrying a human-sized plastic bag containing human race's garbages) or girls (wearing dresses your mom would most likely not allow you to wear). Hmm. Thoughts run through my mind, a lot of why this, why that, why like that, that are left unanswered, I, too, even questioned God's existence for quite sometimes. I don't believe in religion, in general. Live your life justly and never treat others meanly, that's my principle. I very rarely go to mass, I don't read the bible (I even have lots of question about our bible). -Right. Enough of my anti-religion thoughts, back to the real topic. Those beggars, those biatches loitering the chilly street late at night, I wonder, have they ever thought,when they were just a kid, that they'll be what they are now? Did they have the idea? And if the thoughts of these kind of 'ventures' really did crossed their minds, will they do something about it, will they be willing enough? Made me realize how fortunate I am, I was. Anyhow, the discussion ended with a question: "What really is your, my, our purpose in life?"

Well, have a temporary answer to that question. Temporary, because I think time will come when I will be shifting thoughts in the future.  I think I'll find that out when I'm on my death bed, about to die maybe, I have an idea of doing an accounting of all the things I've done, the remembered ones. Or was that even an answer to that question? Or maybe there really is no answer to it. One may try to solve it with mathematical equations, try to make the best computer program to give answer to it. But no, you'll still find loopholes that will fall back or lead you to the very main question, what is your purpose in life? Not based on you faith and your hope. I don't know. I'd better leave that question in me and discover the answer to it, myself as time grows old and as trees begin to lose its leaves. (November 2008)

Childhood Memoirs of Bibyana

(Nakakasawa ng english na lang ng english. Bubuhayin ko nga pagkaPilipino ko, Batangeña na rin. Basahin mo para maligayahan ka naman kahit papaano. May mapa na kalikip itong artikulong ito upang lubos mong maunawaan ang aking kwento.)

Babala: May mga salitang ginamit dito na tanging isang tunay na Batangenyo lang ang makakaunawa. Kapag may pagaalinlangan sa kahulugan ng salita, maari lamang na itanong sa may akda.

Eto na.

Napakadaming ala ala nung ako'y musmos pa ang tumatakbo sa isip ko ngaun. At sa tuwing naalala ko ito, ay talaga namang napapatawa ako, parang nababaliw lang.

Sarisari ang trip ko nung bata pa ako. Sabi nga ng nanay ko, may kaibigan pa nga daw akong dwende. Naalala ko nuon nung ako ay pinagwawalis ng bakuran ng lola ko, sa ilalim ng malaking puno ng mangga, mayroon duong isang maliit na kweba na lagi ko daw binibisita, kung saan nakatira ang mga dati ko daw na kaibigang dwende. Lagi ko daw kinekwento sa mga nanay at lola ko ang tungkol sa aking mga maliliit na kaibigan. Sabi ng lola ko, itanong ko daw sa kanila kung ano daw ang tatama sa jueteng, (mahilig sa jueteng ang lola ko) at itinanong ko nga ito sa dwende kong kaibigan. My binigay akong numero sa lola ko at tumama nga ito, aba, lalung kumalat sa amin ang balitang my kaibigan akong dwende. Pero hindi nagtagal at umalis na din ang mga kaibigan kong ito. Isang araw, my mga nagiinum ng alak sa may ilalim ng mangga. Ako ay tinawag nila, (malapit lang ang bahay namin sa puno ng mangga) at sinabi nilang itanong ko daw ulit sa aking kaibigan ang tatama sa jueteng. Mayamaya, may nambato ng piso sa inuman. Natahimik ang lahat. Marahil ay nagalit na ang kaibigan kong dwende. At simula nuon ay hindi ko na daw nakita yung mga kaibigan kong iyon. Ang alaala ng dwendeng iyan ay, sa maniwala ka man o sa hindi, ay hindi ko na maalala. May nagsasabing sa pag alis ng mga dwendeng ito ay tangaytangay nila ang memoryang nasagap ng aking kamusmusan.

Are ga naman si Bibyana ^_^

Sa tabi ng puno ng malaking mangga ay isang napakalaking swimming pool. Ay, hindi pala siya swimming pool, dati siyang palaisdaan na ginawa lamang swimming pool. Ang bayad sa entrance fee nuon ay P15. At talagang maraming tumatangkilik nito. Napakaraming alala nung ako'y musmo pa ang nanatiling sariwa sa malaking pool na ito. Ako'y mayroong beting sut (bathing suit) na kulay pink. At sa twing ako'y lalabas ng pinto aming munting bahay para maligo sa pool ay sumisigaw ako ng 'Misssss Philippines.....' at lahat ng aking pinsan at mga kamag anak ay maghahagalpakan sa tawa. Hindi ako maliligo sa pool hangga't wala ang aking salbabida (ung maitim na rubber na gulong ng mga sasakyan) at gagels (goggles). Kahit wala pa nga sa tuhod ang tubig ay nagsasalbabida parin ako. Pero isa lang ang napatunayan ko, pwede ka pa ring malunod kahit hanggang tuhod lang ang tubig ng isang pool, at kahit nakasalbabida ka pa. Oo, maniwala ka, kasi nangyari na sa akin iyon. Wag mo ng isipin kung papano nangyari iyon dahil puros katangahan lang ang pinairal ko nuon. Buti na lang at nasa tabi tabi lang ang aking butihing ama, tinalon nya ang hanggang tuhod na tubig para isalba ako. (Pihadong maga ang tuhod ni father dear.) Hindi ko makakalimutan ang paglilinis ng pool na ito, talagang nakakapagod kasi nga napakalaki. Kami kami ng mga pinsan ko at tita ko ang naglilinis nito kasama ng mga brush at walis tingting. Ang mga makakapal na lumot ang paborito naming brushin ng pinsan ko, dahil nagsusulat kami gamit ang brush dito. Lagi namang sinusulat ang paborito naming Spice Girls at ang salitang 'Wanna Be' dito. Kami ay sinuswelduhan ng lola ko ng pinakamataas na P30 at kami'y tuwang tuwa na nun, pambili sa tindahan ng tita ko ng mga chichirya. Ang malaking pool na iyon ay mananatiling alala na lng sa akin kasi ito ay palaisdaan na ulit ngaun.

Si Bibyana, ang bibo-bibohan kid.

Alam mo ba iyong Millionaires' Game? Yung board games? Parang monopoly? Inggit na inggit ako sa pinsan ko dahil mayroon sila nito. Iyon ang paborito naming laruin ng mga pinsan ko sabay ng panonood ng paborito naming MTV (lagi naming inaabangan ang Spice Girls at Backstreet Boys). Sa twing maglalaro kami nuon at ako ay nababankrupt, ay napipikon ako. (hanggang sa ngayon ay pikon pa rin ako). Tinatapon ko palayo ang board at magtatapunan ang mga bahay at mga token na naandito sabay sabi ng 'Madaya' tapos ay magwawalk out at magtatago sa loob ng bahay naman maghapon dahil hindi ko sila kabati. Mayroon din kaming sidecar na pinagkakaabalahan nuon. Mahilig kami mamasyal. Hindi ko nabanggit na may pababang parte na medyo matarik sa may ilalim ng puno ng malaking mangga. Ito ang paborito naming pa-islaydan. Naalala ko nung isang beses, sa pagislayd namin pababa habang nakasakay ng sidecar, nagtumbalik (nagsungasob, nagtahiya) ang sidecar. Lahat kami ay sugatan, (maliban sa pinsan ko na nasa manibela na nakatalon habang nagaalangan siya sa pag pidal) pero kami ay utas sa kakatawa. Nyahahahahaha. Isang katibayan na napaka bait ng mga pinsan ko ay isang beses, ako ay naglalakad pabalik ng bahay namin ng ako'y tawagin nila. Binigyan nila ako ng parang candy na kulay orange at may red din. Sabi nila, talagang napakasarap at napakatamis nito at kinain ko nga ito. ^&!)#)_~@$#(*&^!!!!!! Napaka anghang! Iyon pala ay sili! Dalidali silang kumuha ng asukal at ako'y pilit pinakain nito. Isa sa mga paborito din naming gawin ay umakyat sa puno ng aratilis para manguha nito. Minsan, pagkatapos namin umakyat, pag baba namin, puro pantal na kami dahil natilasan na pala kami. Ang puno ng aratilis ay madaming tilas (isang uri ng insekto na nakakapangati kapag nadampian ang iyong balat). At napakasaya naman talagang kasama ng aking mga pinsan na ubod ng katripan sa buhay.

Isang masayang lugar na malapit sa amin ay ang bahay kubo. Gabigabi, ay may maririnig ka dung, 'tuuuuuukoooo, tuuuukoooo' at tama ka, iyon nga ay tuko. Lagi kaming tinatakot ng tita ko kapag kami ay nagpapasaway sa kanya. Kapag ang mga pinsan ko ay hindi umuwi sa bahay nila, kami ay natutulog sa kubo kasama ng tita ko at ng tuko. Naalala ko ang tawag sa akin ng isa kong pinsan ay 'Telebok', dahil ito ang tawag ko duon sa isang chocolate na talagang paborito ko nuong bata ako maliban sa Watchamacallit na chocolate. Kapag gabi na at kami ay gising pa, nagnanakaw kami ng chichirya sa paninda ng tita namin na nakatago dito sa bahay kubo. Pero ngayon, ang dating bahay kubo ay bahay bato na. Pinaayos ng tita ko at may palagian ng tumitira dito ngaun.

Ito ang mapa ng munti naming bakuran.

Ang isa sa mga pinakamahalagang natutunan ko nuong ako ay bata pa ay kung paano kumita ng pera. Aking nabanggit sa taas na mayroong malaking pool na tinatangkilik ng karamihan sa aming komunidad. Paminsanminsan ay ako ay nagbabantay nito, at kumikita ako ng P10 hanggang P20 kada araw depende sa kita ng pool. Habang wala pang dumadating na mga parokyano ay ako ay nagwawalis ng mga dahondahon at balatbalat ng chichirya na siya namang binebenta ng aking butihing tiyahin. Ang pagwawalis na ito ay nagbibigay sa akin ng P10 hanggang P15 na bayad. Kapag inaalisan naman ng tubig ang pool ay kumikita ako ng mga P30-P50, depende sa dami ng naglilinis, libre merienda pa. Sa tuwing sasapit ang gabi sa mainit na bakasyon, ako ay sumasama sa aking lola paminsanminsan sa kanyang munting tahanan sa Tambakan. Kahit nasa bahay ako ng lola ko ay kumikita pa rin ako. Sa paanong paraan? Minamasahe ko ang likod ng aking lola my labs. At sa bawat dighay niya, sa bawat 'lamig' na nailalabas niya dahil sa aking masahe ay may katumbas na P1. Parang metro lang ng taxi. Nakakalungkot lang at wala na ang lola kong iyon. Pumunta na sa kabilang bundok, kasama ng aking lolo na isa. Sana masaya sila duon. Kapag nagkita ulit kami ng lola my labs ko, promise, d ko na siya sisingilin sa bawat dighay niya pag hinilot ko siya. :) (2008)

A kid in me still lives

I grow to be a child of art. I used to religiously watch Art Attack (by Neil Buchanan, Disney Channel) and other artsy program available in the cabled television when I was a kid. The ever-persistent me gathered up all those old newspapers, tissues, glues, watercolors, art papers, glitters from my sister's bag to our mini library to the garage and even to the trash bin. My childhood room used to house a lot of 'piece of arts' made by me. My mom used to complain about the tissue shortage in our home which forced me to buy my own supply at a nearby sarisari store just to pursue my so-called 'passion' for art. This miniature snowman (made of styrofoam balls) reminds me a lot of how I used to be when I was a kid. Simple, result-oriented and persistent.

Oh by the way, this was a school project of a little friend of mine back then. I would love to do something like this again for her. (October 2011)